25 Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids

Hi friends! I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving, we sure did! The fun continues tomorrow with family portraits and traveling to see more friends and family in Dallas. As Black Friday and holiday shopping begins, I wanted to share a quick post with you guys on some great, kid approved, gift ideas for this holiday season! Today, I'm sharing with you 25 Amazon gift ideas for all the littles in your life!

1. Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Musical Dancing Palace

2. 3Doodler Create 3D Pen

3. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch

4. Candy Construction Building Set

5. Hasbro Pie Face Game

6. Seedling Design Your Own Headphones

7. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!

8. Fisher-Price Dance & Move BeatBowWow

9. Play-Doh Doctor Drill 'n Fill Retro Pack

10. Singing Machine Karaoke System

11. Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike

12. Power Wheels Thomas the Train Thomas with Track

13. PlasmaCar Ride On Toy

14. Googly Eyes Game

15. Paint by Sticker Kids

16. Play-Doh My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Style Salon Playset

17. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Teaching Cash Register

18. HedBanz Game

19. Little Cosmetics Pretend Makeup Signature Set

20. Step2 Fantasy Vanity

21. Small World Toys Living - Peel 'N' Play 13 Pc. Playset

22. Zoomer Kitty, Interactive Cat

23. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit

24. Let's Go Fishin'

25. Hot Potato Electronic Musical Passing Game

*This post contains affiliate links

15 Things I Never Said Until I Was A Mom

For more videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Seed Stitch - Loom Knit Cowl

Hey everyone, Audra here! I really enjoy loom knitting, for some reason it's just so much easier than knitting with kneedles for me. I'm loving thi Fall cowl trend so I thought I'd make one to show you guys. In this video I will quickly show you have to loom knit a cute and trendy cowl using the seed stitch. Join me!

>>You can buy yarn like mine here: http://amzn.to/2eJ1pbH (affiliate link)

What you'll need:
- 22 peg loom
- knitting hook
- chunky yarn - 106 yards
- scissors

Steps:
- cast on all 22 pegs
- knit 1, purl 1, repeat until you've reached the las peg
- repeat pattern going in opposite direction
- do this until you have 21 inches or more of work
- fold over work and put 1st row of work back on pegs
- weave together
- remove from pegs
- tie off with knot
- enjoy!

✽ FOLLOW ME!
Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Th...
Instagram: http://instagram.com/audrak...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Th...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKurt...

✽ Business Email: Audra.Kurtz@gmail.com

LipSense Review | How To Apply LipSense

As a mom and girlfriend I give lots and lots of kisses! It come with the territory, right?! Unfortunately, I always end up leaving big ole' lipstick prints on my son and boyfriend. Throughout the day I have to reapply after drinking coffee or eating lunch, which honestly I get tired of doing.

After seeing LipSense pop up in my Facebook news feed I knew I needed to try it! This smudge proof lip gloss is amazing! Now I only have to apply once or twice a day and my boys are free from my lipstick prints! The only thing that I really don't care for with this product is the taste. I wish it had maybe a flavor or was just flavorless to begin with. But, all in all that is the only negative thing I can say!

Interested in trying LipSense yourself? Check out my first impressions and review of LipSense below and learn how to apply it yourself! Also, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more videos! I post new videos on Sunday's!

Where to purchase: https://www.facebook.com/groups/28132...

*I was not compensated for this video - All opinions are true and my own*

DIY Fluffy Arm Knit Blankets

Isn't it great when you just stumble upon a fabulous product that you weren't even looking for? Well, that is exactly what append here! Just the other day, I was shopping at Michael's for a totally different DIY project and I happened to come across the most yummy yarn ever! Yes, I described yarn as yummy. This yarn is so soft, bright, and fluffy! To quote Despicable Me, "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!!" The cherry on top had to be that they were also on sale from $6.99 to $3.99 AND I had a 25% off my entire purchase coupon! Can you say bargain?! I had been wanting to crate a fluffy arm knit blanket, but didn't want to shell out the big buck for the Merino yarn, that stuff can get expensive! So, when I found these beauties at Michael's I knew I had found an amazing alternative! Check out the video below and come arm knit some fluffy arm knit blankets with me! They make fabulous Christmas gifts!

Subscribe to my channel!

Mad Lib Challenge - Mad Libs & Mimosas

Jordan and I took the YouTube Mad Lib Challenge and I think we did pretty good! The point of the game is to come up with ridiculous Mad Libs while drinking mimosas and trying not to laugh with the mimosa (or other beverage) in your mouth. It made for a fun game! Let us know if you enjoyed it as well and be sure to give the video a thumbs up on my YouTube Channel  and subscribe for more videos!

Wine & Glitter Gummy Bears!

Wine and glitter gummy bears, the ultimate girly treat! What's better than edible glitter and wine?! Okay, I'm sure we could name a few, but these DIY Wine Gummy Bears are so incredibly precious and are sure to be a hit at your next event, bachelorette party or even baby shower!

You can use any wine for this recipe, which ever you like best! I used Moscato wine because it's very sweet and so you could see the glitter. To make the gummy bears pink just add one drop of red food dye or simply use a blush wine.

You can add a little more sugar to this recipe if you like your gummies very sweet.

Recipe:
1 cup wine
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
3 tbps plain gelatin

Heat together in small pot over medium low heat for two minutes until dissolved. Keep temp below 90 degree Fahrenheit if you want to keep the alcohol from burning off. Immediately fill the gummy bear molds using a dropper and place in the fridge for 90 minutes at least. You can also place in the freezer for a few minutes after they have set up in the fridge. This will make the gummy bear easier to remove from the molds.

Products used:
Gummy Bear Molds - http://amzn.to/2diSb9w
Plain Gelatin - http://amzn.to/2dKqZME
Disco Dust - http://amzn.to/2cOv1BD

**NOTE: Disco dust is non-toxic, and while it is approved by the FDA as non-toxic, it is NOT considered a food product because there is no nutritional value, nor is it absorbed into the system. With it having no nutritional value, it CANNOT be called edible - as is the case with dragees as well as all of the luster and pearl dusts. Any product being labeled For Decorative Use is at the decorator’s discretion whether or not they chose to use it directly on their products. Many bakers use this product in small quantities. Use at you own discretion.

30 Minute Cajun Sausage Alfredo

Looking for a quick one pot meal? Try this quick and easy, one pot, 30 Minute Cajun Sausage Alfredo! Not only is it delicious, but the mess is minimal since you only need one pot, win, win!

*Be sure to use low sodium chicken broth & sausage. DO NOT add salt or it will be too salty. You can also add fresh or dried parsley to garnish.

For more DIY videos subscribe to  my YouTube Channel!

DIY Blackhead Strips

I am a sucker for saving money, so when I heard about these DIY blackhead strips I had to give them a try! I was somewhat skeptical, but it actually worked out pretty well. Fair warning though, the concoction is a little smelly! What are your favorite beauty DIYs to save money?

For more DIY videos subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

DIY Granola & Pomegranate Clusters

I'm always excited to find new delicious and healthier snacks to try! This time I combined a few on hand items to come up with a fast and easy treat. All you need is granola, melting chocolate and pomegranate! Check out the video below for an easy how-to!

For more videos like this be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel here.

DIY Twinkie Ghosts - YouTube Tutorial

October is finally here and it's time to start breaking out the Halloween decor and snacks, if you haven't already! If your family loves Halloween these twinkie ghosts are a quick and fun little DIY your kiddos are sure to enjoy! Chocolate and twinkies, who doesn't love that combo? All you'll need are a few twinkies, white chocolate chips, mini milk chocolate chips, a cookie sheet, spatula and a glass bowl! Check out the video below for the quick and easy tutorial. Happy October!

DIY Guess Who Game

One of my favorite things to do with family as a kid was play board games! Even now in my late 20's I still enjoy it, must be that 80's/90's kid in me! In this video I teamed up with Walgreens to create a DIY Guess Who Game. Instead of using faces I used cupcakes to make a new twist for the kiddos. Using a combination of colors and similar elements like sprinkles, cupcake liners and other decorations I was able to pull it off. You can use any images you like! I designed mine in Adobe Illustrator and had them printed on photo paper using Walgreens 1 Hour Photo Service.

You will need two sets of all items seen in this video (minus the glue and washi tape) to create two game boards + one additional printed sheet of images to make the game pieces to select from. Happy crafting!

DIY Mini Tapestry - YouTube Video

Wall hangings are all the rage nowadays! I see them popping up all over Pinterest, in living rooms and nurseries. Having never made on myself, I thought it would be fun to give it a go with my Martha Stewart Knit and Weave Loom Kit! I think the results came out super cute for my first attempt and everything is always cuter in mini form, am I right?! Jump on the tapestry bandwagon and make your own mini tapestry with my handy YouTube video below!

Links to products used in this video:

Loom   |   Wool-Ease Thick & Quick   |   Fun Fur   |   Babysoft   |   Homespun

Thanks for stopping by and if you enjoyed this DIY video be sure to stop by and subscribe to my YouTube channel! Keep crafting and I'll see you next time!

Chloe + Isabel Giveaway!

Today, I’m super excited to share with you all Chloe & Isabel merchandiser, Meggie Hunter with 2 Chic Cousins.  Meggie and I have been friends since college and she just has an unbelievable sense of style! Meggie is an Mommy of 3 boys by day and a “jewelry fashionista” by night. Selling jewelry alongside her cousin Shea Brattian who is a school teacher.

2 Chic Cousins has generously donated a $48 Sand + Sky Convertible Pendant Necklace that I am going to giveaway to one lucky winner. The winner will also get $25 off a $75+ purchase! (See the details below)

If you have yet to hear about Chloe + Isabel, they are a high-end end jewelry company that offers a lifetime guarantee on ALL pieces. Yes you read right LIFETIME guarantee! Chloe + Isabel is a nationally recognized brand and has been in major magazines and has recently teamed up the past few months with companies such as BirchBox and Julep. The Chloe + Isabel brand was inspired by a concept we call “The Friendship Philosophy” – the idea of two best friends with different personalities and styles, united by their passion for fashion and self-expression. Chloes are more trendsetters with a daring, chic sense of style. Isabels are more sophisticated with a romantic refined and classic approach to style.

Feel free to reach out to Meggie or Shea with any questions! Their email is: 2chiccousins@gmail.com

Now that you know a little bit about Chloe and Isabel and 2 Chic Cousins here’s the fun part – enter to win a free necklace! There’s two parts to this: first, the giveaway, and second, the party!

1. Meggie has generously donated a $48 Sand + Sky Convertible Pendant Necklace for me to giveaway to one lucky winner. I personally think it’s fabulous, and I know it’s one of Meggie's favorites. In addition to the necklace, the winner will receive $25 off any $75+ purchase.

The giveaway will run from Sunday May 24th Through Sunday May 31st at 8:00pm. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st.

2. In addition to winning jewelry, you can use this direct shopping link to purchase any items as part of a “jewelry party” from May 24th through May 31st. (If you use this link, I will get some free jewelry when this is over and it’s bought through 2 Chic Cousins merchandiser store versus the general website.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Be sure to also take advantage of the Chloe + Isabel Memorial day weekend promotion and receive $25 off every $125 you spend + a free gift with purchase of $100 or more!

DIY Puff Quilt - YouTube Video

I just love DIY gifts, don't you? This past Christmas I decided to make my mother a DIY Christmas gift, as I often do for people that I love. I received and overwhelming response of requests via the photo I posted on my Instagram account that I decided to post a tutorial on making a smaller child sized version. So, as promised, here is my DIY video! This tutorial is intended for those that have a basic understanding of sewing and sewing machines. It is a very easy project, but as always should you have questions (because I've never done a quilt tutorial) please don't hesitate to ask!

DIY Melted Bead Suncatcher - YouTube Video

Looking for a fun, fast, and inexpensive craft to do with the kiddos? Look no further, ta-da! DIY melted bead suncatchers are fun for the whole family. They make great gifts or just a fun craft to do with the kids. Keep reading below for what you'll need, tips, and a how-to video!

What you'll need:
- cheap plastic pony bead
- cake pans, cookie cutters, and cookie sheet
- an oven
- power drill (to be able to hang them)
- string

NOTES:
- No, this did not stink up my house, but I did have the stove vent on and the window open to circulate the air
- You do NOT need to spray the cake pan or cookie cutters
- While cooling your suncatchers will make a popping sound, this is the plastic drawing away from the pans and means they will soon be ready to pop out!
- Allow your suncatchers to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes and then pop out once fully cooled
- I used a convection oven set at 400F and cooked my suncatchers for 30 to 45 minutes or until the surface looked smooth and fully melted

DIY Glitter Frame - YouTube Video

Picture frames can get boring sometimes, so why not add a little pizzaz? Create a DIY glitter frame in multiple colors and change them out whenever you like! Each glitter frame will one cost you about a dollar! They make fabulous holiday decorations, gifts for friends and family, or just a little something for your home or office. Check out how to below and if you enjoy this tutorial be sure to visit my DIY YouTube Channel for more fun, fast, and fabulous DIY tutorials!

DIY Decoden Cell Phone Case - YouTube Video

I am a total Christmas nut, there's no hiding it! Because I love Christmas so much I wanted to make my own Christmas cell phone case using some of the new and fun products by Mod Podge. Recently Mod Podge launched a new item called Collage Clay that makes creating Decoden projects a snap!

If you haven't heard of Decoden, it is a popular decorating style which originated in Japan. The term "deco" is short for decorated and "den" is short for "denwa" which means "phone" in Japanese. Decoden, however, is not just limited to phones! People are definitely embracing this style and using it to decorate everything from e-readers, iPads, handheld gaming systems and even fingernails!

For this project I grabbed some fun and glittery Christmas candy ornaments, snowflake buttons, sparkle scrapbook adhesives, and of course Mod Podge Collage Clay. You can literally grab anything and everything that you would want to put on your phone.

DIY Decoden Cell Phone Case Tutorial

The collage clay will need at least one to two days to fully dry before using. Your finished product will be firm with a slight spring to the collage clay. It looks good enough to eat...but don't do that, I promise you won't like it!

Vecco DIY Rug Décor Design Contest - Win $2,500!

Show Your Texas Pride and enter the design contest from
Vecco DIY Rug Décor – You Could Win $2,500!

Calling all creators and DIY enthusiasts! If you’re creative, crafty and live in the Dallas/Fort Worth-area, Vecco DIY Rug Décor want to invite you and your fellow Texans to show off what Texas pride means to you, and it's all for a good cause. Vecco DIY Rug Décor and four local non-profit organizations are celebrating Texas Pride from the ground up, literally! Join them on Saturday, November 15th from 6 -10 p.m. at Vecco’s One Rug at a Time event to be entered for the chance to win $2,500 and help a local non-profit organization win $5,000!

Leading up to the event, four non-profit organizations (Dwell with Dignity, Dallas Area Fabric Artists, ArtLoveMagic and Groundwork Dallas) will participate in a special rug-making competition using Vecco DIY Rug Decor. Each organization will receive exclusive rug design kits, with instructions to design a rug that illustrates what Texas Pride means to them. The organization whose rug receives the most votes will receive a $5,000 donation from Vecco to help support their cause. Then, on Saturday, November 15th, you’re invited to join Vecco for an afternoon of live music, local area food trucks, and DIY fun for the entire family! A one-of-a-kind Texas rug mosaic will be on display to  benefit Dwell with Dignity. Each piece in the mosaic was created by a local Dallas artist and will be donated to a household in need. In addition, the Texas Pride rugs made by the Dallas art community will be on display. See the rugs in-person at the event, then cast your vote here for your favorite organization’s rug from Monday, November 10, 2014 through Friday, November 14, 2014.

The DIY fun’s not just for design professionals, however! If you are inspired by what you see at the event and want to try your hand at DIY rug décor, you can design and enter a rug in a special, second Texas Pride rug contest, just for individuals. Vecco will have supplies available for anyone who wants to design a rug and enter—simply be one of the first 100 visitors at Vecco’s One Rug at a Time event at Valley View Mall on Saturday, November 15th from 6 -10 p.m. Vecco designers will be on hand to provide instruction and tips to help bring your rug to life. When your rug is ready, snap a photo of your masterpiece and email it to onerug@veccostudio.com to submit your entry. Vecco will post it on a special Texas Pride board on Pinterest, so be sure to share the link with friends and family, and tell them to ‘Like’ your rug photo to cast their vote. The rug that receives the most Likes will win $2,500! Voting begins December 8 and ends on December 17, 2014. The winner will be notified by Vecco by email. If you want to learn more about creating a Vecco DIY Rug, this video is really terrific and super helpful!

For full details about the One Rug at a Time event benefitting Dwell with Dignity, please visit veccostudio.com/onerug

For more information about Vecco DIY Rug Décor, please visit veccostudio.com

This is a sponsored blog post; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Vecco to post this story.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts for Her - YouTube Video

The holidays are upon us and that means it's time to shop till we drop! Honestly, I'd be perfectly happy with no presents at all during Christmas. This isn't what Christmas is about after all, but if you do enjoy spreading cheer to others by sharing gifts, why not shop small business and support other hard working families like yourself? This year I encourage you to shop small business and not give all of your money to big business! Sure, there are some things that small shops don't produce as well as big business, but really, unique handmade gifts rock just as hard! This year I have rounded up 12 awesome handmade gifts that I found on Etsy. These would be perfect for the women in your life! Check out the video below to find out about all of the gifts! When you're done watching, check out all of the shop links below the video and you'll even find the shop discounts mentioned in the video! Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!!



Candle
Faithful Scents - http://www.faithfulscents.etsy.com

Druzy Wire Wrapped Ring
Lazy Owl Boutique - http://www.LazyOwlBoutique.etsy.com

Personal Serving Tray
Paper + Spark - http://www.paperandspark.com/shop

Watercolor Portrait
Lady Pair Designs - http://www.ladypair.etsy.com
Discount: 20% off with code KurtzCorner

Coffee Mug
Allie Ruth - http://www.allieruth.etsy.com
Discount: 10% off with code AUDRA

Layered Necklace
Landon Lacey - http://www.landonlacey.etsy.com
Discount: Free shipping with code KurtzCorner

Headbands
Wuthering Iris - http://www.wutheringiris.etsy.com
Discount: 20% off with code HOLIDAY

Soap
Bella Fresca - http://www.BellaFresca.etsy.com
Discount: 15% off with code GIFTGUIDE15

Fox Beanie
Queenie Leanie - http://www.QueenieLeanieCrochet.etsy.com
Discount: 15% off with code Gift15

Air Plants
Sea & Asters - http://www.seaandasters.etsy.com
Discount: 15% off with code ASTERS15

Wonder Woman Cuff
Avrocomy - http://www.avrocomy.etsy.com

Clutches
Yun & Yoonie - http://www.yunandyoonie.etsy.com

*I was NOT paid to do this video or blog post. All opinions are my own.